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WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh places the highest priority on health-related issues including the various forms of auto-immune and neurological conditions striking people of all ages, races and walks of life, and one of the most prevalent is Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which affects more than 400,000 Americans with an estimated 10,400 new cases diagnosed each year; and
WHEREAS, the combined impact of the four types of MS challenges the lives of not only those diagnosed with the condition, but also their friends, family and caregivers, adding approximately $35,000 per year in health care costs for the average person living with MS - and these costs can exceed $2.2 million over the person's entire lifespan; and
WHEREAS, a number of non-profit health organizations, such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, are dedicated to eradicating multiple sclerosis and to serving those touched by the disease and, as they work to discover new and more effective treatments, therapies and cures, we applaud their vigorous efforts in combating the widespread, aggressive and unpredictable diagnosis of multiple sclerosis; and
WHEREAS, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to finding cures for these diseases through medical research, voluntary contributions and public support, and here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Society serves over 6,700 people living with MS and maintains offices in Pittsburgh, Erie and Altoona to carry out its compassionate work on behalf of individuals with these diseases and their family members; and
WHEREAS, today, approximately 400,000 Americans between the ages of 20 and 50 are diagnosed with MS, making it the number one disabler of young adults, and the City of Pittsburgh is committed to eradicating all auto-immune and neurological conditions; and
WHEREAS, recognizing that good health is a key component of a long, productive and fulfilling life, the City of Pittsburgh also encourages private efforts to enhance research funding and education programs that address MS, and we therefore support observances which raise public awareness concerning urgent health matters, such as multiple sclerosis, with hopes of eliminating all forms of this dreadful disease from our lives;
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby proclaim March 14-20, 2011 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in the City of Pittsburgh.